PUTRAJAYA: Several dragon boat paddlers could be heard roaring at the usually tranquil lake club here – a group of about 20 of them, donned in pink, stood out from the crowd that had gathered near the jetty located opposite the Prime Minister’s Office.

Ready to take on the waters with life jackets on and paddles in hand, the dragon boat team known as Pink Challengers Malaysia mainly comprised breast cancer survivors and patients.

Its president Debbie Wong said the main reason behind dragon boating was to prevent lymphoedema, a prevalent complication that arises after the removal of lymph nodes.

“Lymphoedema can develop if there is no upper body physio exercise. So, paddling is one of the ways to prevent this,” said Wong, who is a two-time breast cancer survivor.

Wong addressing participants during the warm-up session at the Putrajaya Lake Club.

The 55-year-old financial adviser was first diagnosed in 2015 with stage two breast cancer and two years later, she had a relapse and had to undergo a bilateral mastectomy.

“At the time (during her second treatment), I was a cyclist and was introduced to dragon boating.

“The first day I sat in the boat, I knew that this was what I would like to do. I fell in love with the boat, the water, the adrenaline and the drive,” said Wong.

She also said it is a common misconception that dragon boating might be too strenuous for breast cancer survivors who had just undergone treatment.

“The power comes mostly from our legs and core, so we are not relying 100% on our arms. The repetitive movement of the arms actually helps us move fluids in our body (to prevent lymphoedema),” said Wong.

She said the Pink Challengers take dragon boating seriously and have participated in countless local and international competitions over the years.

In October last year, they won a gold medal in the international cancer survivors’ open category at the 8th Sarawak International Dragon Boat Regatta in Kuching, she added.

“Placing is important to the team. But finishing the race together is the most important achievement for us.

“Training together, being happy together, as well as crossing the finishing line and having the same goal, is also a very great achievement for our club,” she said.

Wong said that dragon boating under the Pink Challengers is not exclusively for breast cancer patients or survivors, and the team also consists of healthy people of different ages who enjoy dragon boating.

An upbeat Wong said a new life began for her after she was diagnosed with cancer, adding that she is more optimistic and does not procrastinate anymore.

“The most important thing is to be happy and go for what you want to do. Don’t wait because we won’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow,” she said.

Tiong Wai Yin, who is undergoing treatment for metastatic breast cancer, said she has found hope with the Pink Challengers.

Tiong, 56, was initially diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013 and subsequently had a bilateral mastectomy.

However, several years later, tumours were found in her liver and she is presently undergoing chemotherapy.

“In the first couple of years, I was in denial and just kept it to myself. I was in a shell. Only my family and my close friends knew about my situation,” she said.

It was last year, after months of persuasion by a member of the Pink Challengers, that Tiong decided to give dragon boating a shot.

“You have a sense of belonging in the team and feel like you’re family,” she said.

Despite her impaired hearing and occasional dizzy spells, dragon boating has been Tiong’s routine since last year as she enjoys the camaraderie within the team.

“It changed me. So now, I would say that I’m a more open person,” she said.

Tiong also described her family as a pillar of strength in her cancer battle and she hopes that telling her story would inspire more people.

“There’s life after cancer. You can enjoy life and it is never the end. Do not give up – that is the one thing I learnt. Just fight on,” she added.

The Pink Challengers was formed in early 2005 under the Breast Cancer Welfare Association Malaysia.

It became an independent club under the Registrar of Sports Associations in 2020.